HNWP Sharks season ends with heavy Knights loss

The Sharks Harvey Norman Women’s team had their hopes of finishing the season on a high note crushed by the Newcastle Knights on Saturday, when they were defeated 34-4 in their final game of the season.

Despite already being out of finals contention after a narrow two-point loss to the Steelers in Round 9, the Sharks were determined to make their trip up north worthwhile.

Things looked promising for the Shark’s early on, winger Zali Fay, securing the first four points in the opening minute of the match.

However, the home side were quick to respond, with fullback Tamika Upton slipping through Cronulla’s defensive line to score and conversion from Jesse Southwell from out wide saw the Sharks trailing by two points for much of the first half.

Yasmyn Clydesdale, was next to score for the opposition, taking advantage of a gap in the Shark’s defense and breaking the line virtually untouched, leaving Cronulla down by 8-points at half-time.

Ill-discipline and errors have been an ongoing theme for the Sharks women’s team this season, and unfortunately proved costly again in the second half of the game.

Despite the team’s efforts, both Upton and Clydesdale crossed for doubles, with the Shark’s struggling to gain quality field position against the Knight’s strong defence. A final try from the opposition’s dummy half sealed the win for the Knights.

The Sharks HNWP team finished the season in seventh position on the competition ladder with four wins and six losses.

The Sharks will now shift focus to the upcoming NRLW season and to signing and announcing their playing squad.